Strong leaves Louisville to become new UT head coach

Charlie Strong compiled a 37-15 record in his four seasons at Louisville. (Timothy D. Easley/Associated Press)

AUSTIN – After being kept waiting for more than 24 hours while Louisville’s Charlie Strong weighed an offer to become Texas’ head football coach, the Longhorns ended Saturday with the knowledge that they’d gotten their man.

With Louisville confirming to multiple outlets that Strong is leaving the school, a senior UT official said the Longhorns will officially announce Strong’s hiring on Sunday. A press conference to introduce Strong is tentatively scheduled for Monday.

UT athletic director Steve Patterson on Friday offered the job to Strong, who told his staff Saturday morning he had not made a decision. A UT source said Strong told the Longhorns he wanted to speak to Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich in person before accepting the deal, reported to be for five years and $25 million.

Jurich was vacationing in Colorado this week, and was delayed by winter storms before arriving in Kentucky and meeting with Strong on Saturday night. Once Strong informed Jurich of his decision, the Longhorns had the go-ahead to proceed.

Strong, 53, will become the first black coach of a men’s sport in UT history. He compiled a 37-15 record in four years at Louisville, including a 23-3 mark over his last two seasons. If he takes the UT job, he’ll replace Mack Brown, who stepped down last month after 16 years as the Longhorns’ head coach.

Although prominent boosters led by San Antonio billionaire Red McCombs lobbied for former NFL coach Jon Gruden and others were intrigued by the idea of pursuing Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher, Patterson targeted Strong without interviewing either of the other candidates.

UT formed an eight-member advisory committee to assist Patterson in his search, but that group never formally met. A second UT source said it’s clear that Strong’s selection is that of the man who took over as athletic director in November.

Born in Batesville, Ark., Strong played college football at Central Arkansas and is known as one of the nation’s top defensive coaches. His reputation soared during his tenure as Florida’s defensive coordinator from 2003-’09, when he helped lead the Gators to two national championships.

At Louisville, he took a program that went 15-21 under predecessor Steve Kragthorpe and led it to three bowl victories in four seasons. The highlight of his time with the Cardinals was the 2012 season, when they won the Big East beat Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

In 2013, Louisville had hopes of contending for a national championship with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who’s expected to be one of the top picks in this spring’s NFL draft. A loss to Central Florida in October derailed those aspirations, but the Cardinals still finished 12-1 and beat Miami in last week’s Russell Athletic Bowl.

Twitter: @mikefinger

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<center><b> Oregon 30, Texas 7</b></center>
<b><center>Record: 8-5</b></center>
Head coach Mack Brown of the Longhorns meets head coach Mark Helfrich of the Ducks. less

<center><b> Oregon 30, Texas 7</b></center>
<b><center>Record: 8-5</b></center>
Head coach Mack Brown of the Longhorns meets head coach Mark Helfrich of the ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes #18 hands the ball off to running back Malcolm Brown.

Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes #18 hands the ball off to running back Malcolm Brown.

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Running back Joe Bergeron #24 of the Longhorns carries the ball as defensive tackle Taylor Hart #66 of the Ducks defends.

Running back Joe Bergeron #24 of the Longhorns carries the ball as defensive tackle Taylor Hart #66 of the Ducks defends.

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Running back Joe Bergeron #24 of the Longhorns tries to avoid a tackle by cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu #14 of the Ducks.

Running back Joe Bergeron #24 of the Longhorns tries to avoid a tackle by cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu #14 of the Ducks.

Texas' Mike Davis (1) catches a pass for a first down in front of Texas Tech's Bruce Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Mike Davis (1) catches a pass for a first down in front of Texas Tech's Bruce Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Carrington Byndom (23) breaks up a pass intended for Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Carrington Byndom (23) breaks up a pass intended for Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Baker Mayfield (6) runs past Texas defender Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas Tech's Baker Mayfield (6) runs past Texas defender Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: eric gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben (26) runs across the goal line with teammate Eric Ward (18) as he scores on a fake punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. less

Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben (26) runs across the goal line with teammate Eric Ward (18) as he scores on a fake punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, ... more

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) tries to make a catch over Texas defender Carrington Byndom (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The pass was incomplete. less

Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) tries to make a catch over Texas defender Carrington Byndom (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The pass was ... more

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) runs past Texas Tech defender Tanner Jacobson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) runs past Texas Tech defender Tanner Jacobson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Case McCoy (6) is pressured by Texas Tech's Pete Robertson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Case McCoy (6) is pressured by Texas Tech's Pete Robertson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Bruce Jones is taken off the field by a stretcher and cart after he was injured during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas Tech's Bruce Jones is taken off the field by a stretcher and cart after he was injured during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Case McCoy (6) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas kept possession of the ball.

Texas' Case McCoy (6) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas kept possession of the ball.

A military flyover prior to the Longhorns matchup with Oklahoma State at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

A military flyover prior to the Longhorns matchup with Oklahoma State at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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<center><strong>Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT)<br>Record: 7-2</center></strong><br>
West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkowski (35) tackles Texas' Daje Johnson (4) during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

<center><strong>Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT)<br>Record: 7-2</center></strong><br>
West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkowski (35) tackles Texas' Daje Johnson (4) during the third quarter of their NCAA college ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Mario Alford, right, looks over his shoulder as he runs past Texas' Duke Thomas for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Mario Alford, right, looks over his shoulder as he runs past Texas' Duke Thomas for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Charles Sims (3) slips a tackle from Texas' Steve Edmond (33) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Charles Sims (3) slips a tackle from Texas' Steve Edmond (33) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) and Malcolm Brown (28) celebrate Davis' touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Mike Davis (1) and Malcolm Brown (28) celebrate Davis' touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) makes a catch between West Virginia's Daryl Worley (7) and Travis Bell (26) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Mike Davis (1) makes a catch between West Virginia's Daryl Worley (7) and Travis Bell (26) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Kevin White (11) is brought down by several Texas defenders during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Kevin White (11) is brought down by several Texas defenders during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia quarterback Paul Millard (14) throws to a receiver during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia quarterback Paul Millard (14) throws to a receiver during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) throw to a receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) throw to a receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkoski (35) tackles Texas's Johnathan Gray (32) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkoski (35) tackles Texas's Johnathan Gray (32) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Sean Walters (13) and Ricky Rumph, bottom, tackle Texas's Daje Johnson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Sean Walters (13) and Ricky Rumph, bottom, tackle Texas's Daje Johnson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Peter Jinkens (19), Antwuan Davis (24), Johnathan Gray (32), M.J. McFarland (85) and John Harris (9) celebrate in front of their fan section after the team's 47-40 win in overtime over West Virginia during an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Peter Jinkens (19), Antwuan Davis (24), Johnathan Gray (32), M.J. McFarland (85) and John Harris (9) celebrate in front of their fan section after the team's 47-40 win in overtime over West Virginia ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia fans cheer in the student section during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia fans cheer in the student section during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by West Virginia's Will Clarke (98) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by West Virginia's Will Clarke (98) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Malcolm Brown (28) finds a hole and runs in to score a touchdown during the first half.

Malcolm Brown (28) finds a hole and runs in to score a touchdown during the first half.

Photo: LM Otero / Associated Press

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Jordan Moore #29 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns, Malcom Brown #90 of the Texas Longhorns, and Cedric Reed #88 of the Texas Longhorns in the first quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. less

Jordan Moore #29 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns, Malcom Brown #90 of the Texas Longhorns, and Cedric Reed #88 of the Texas Longhorns in the first ... more

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Case McCoy looks to throw a pass.

Case McCoy looks to throw a pass.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Kendall Sanders #2 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a pass against Kevin White #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter.

Kendall Sanders #2 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a pass against Kevin White #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Casey Pachall #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs is sacked by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns as Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns assists in the third quarter.

Casey Pachall #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs is sacked by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns as Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns assists in the third quarter.